Canada’s Justin Trudeau attacks China for its ‘coercive diplomacy’ and vows to stand up to Beijing
Trudeau comments come as relations between Canada and China are severely strained
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has hit out over China’s “coercive diplomacy” on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Trudeau targeted Beijing on its aggressive tactics at home and outside, claiming that China’s use of arbitrary arrests, repression in Hong Kong and detention camps for Muslim minorities is “not a particularly productive path".
Canada would remain, said Trudeau, “absolutely committed to working with our allies to ensure that China’s approach of coercive diplomacy, its arbitrary detention of two Canadian citizens alongside other citizens of other countries around the world is not viewed as a successful tactic by them".
He added that “a significant strain” had been placed on China-Canada relations in recent years.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne also issued a separate statement, saying he is working on a new foreign-policy approach to Beijing.
In response, Zhao Lijian, the spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, accused the Canadian government had shown hypocrisy and weakness, according to Reuters.
Ties between the two countries deteriorated in December 2018 after Canadian police arrested Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, on a US extradition warrant.
In retaliation, China arrested two Canadians, including a former diplomat in 2018, who remain in prison.
Ms Meng is under house arrest in Vancouver. Beijing has been repeatedly saying that Canada must set her free before relations can improve.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments